CHESTERFIELD TWP. (WWJ) - Family, friends and colleagues gathered in Chesterfield Township Friday evening to share memories and prayers in honor of slain WWJ overnight anchor Jim Matthews.
Dozens met at Brandenburg Park just before 7 p.m. to remember Matthews and show their support for his surviving long-term girlfriend, 10-year-old son Hunter and 5-year-old daughter Rosie in the wake of his tragic murder last Friday.
Matthews is remembered as a beloved father and a consummate professional by those who knew him well -- those sentiments were further strengthened as participants began sharing their stories of the late news anchor.
"Nobody could talk bad about Jim," Joe Nicolai, Matthews' brother said to the group. "He loved life. He was very meek. He was very mild-mannered. He was very professional at his job. He loved his kids."
Other family friends said Matthews was "always saw the good in people. He helped a lot of people from dark places. He was a believer in second chances."
Matthews' tragic death occurred on Sept. 23. when Chesterfield officers were made aware of a 911 call that was received around noon on Friday, reporting that a 35-year-old woman -- Matthews' girlfriend -- had escaped from a home on Bayview Dr., along with her 5-year-old daughter.
Police said the woman had been stabbed multiple times.
The couple's son, Hunter, was found by police tied up in a closet with severe head trauma.
Matthews had been killed. Chesterfield Director of Public Safety Brian Bassett said in an update at the beginning of the week that Matthews' cause of death was blunt force trauma, but he could not go into further detail.
The alleged killer, 55-year-old Arthur "Van" Williamson, was found in the basement of the home suffering from self-inflicted wounds, police said. He was also in the process of overdosing when officers arrived -- he was treated for the overdose and taken into custody.
Williamson was charged with a total of seven felonies in this case, including one count of first degree murder.
While Matthews’ son remains in critical but stable condition, his daughter have since been released from the hospital and his girlfriend is also continuing to recover in stable condition.
Those at the gathering Friday evening offered continued prayers in support of Matthews' injured family members.
Loved ones said Rosie continues to do "well" and described her as a strong and lively child.
"Rosie sat right by the door of the pit stop and every person that walked into that building while we were there, she said 'Hello, hello!'" Rev. Ann Birchmeier shared with the group.
Family spoke highly of Hunter, calling him brilliant and asked for continued strength as he recovers.
"Hunter, he was really, really smart for 10 year olds," Nicolai said of his nephew.
A GoFundMe has been set up by Ashley Quigley -- the children's aunt -- to help with their recovery. She is also using the page to share updates about the children's medical status.
In her most recent update on Friday, Quigley said Hunter is "getting stronger daily."
She said the 10-year-old was able to sit up in a special chair and is breathing room air now.
"Your prayers are definitely working," she said.
For those who wish to mail the kids letters or cards, Quigley has asked they be sent to:
PO Box 610727
Port Huron, MI 48061-0727
Loves ones thanked all who gathered for the vigil in a Facebook post on Saturday.
"Thank you everyone for coming last night for your presence, prayers and support that gives this grieving family comfort and peace in their broken hearts," they said.
"Each and every one of you are a blessing."